Red Bank Green

Serving Red Bank and Greater Red Bank, NJ

The overdose death of an Oxford House resident has resulted in charges against a man described by authorities as an acquaintance. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

An Avon-by-the-Sea man has been charged for allegedly supplying the heroin that led to the overdose death of a resident of Rumson’s Oxford House rehab facility last October, the Monmouth County Prosecutor announced Tuesday.

Michael Renna, 25, was charged with one count of first degree strict liability for a drug-induced death and one count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a prepared statement.

News about the death of 25-year-old Christopher Pesce was the first that word that nearby residents had that the recovery residence had opened two months earlier in their residential corner of Rumson, and ignited a firestorm of objections.

It also led to a pair of countervailing lawsuits by the borough and Oxford House, litigation that now appears to be close to settlement.

The charges against Renna put responsibility for Pesce’s death on him, Gramiccioni said.

From the announcement:

Rumson police responded to Oxford House, at 61 South Ward Ave., on October 13, 2013, at approximately 8:15 p.m., where officers located the deceased victim.

Rumson police immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pesce’s death with toxicology results obtained during a postmortem examination concluding Pesce’s death was caused by Acute Heroin Toxicity. Rumson Police, in conjunction with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, continued the investigation and ultimately determined the victim obtained the fatal doses of heroin from Renna, an acquaintance, in Asbury Park on the night of October 12, 2013, leading to the charges filed against him.

If convicted of Strict Liability for Drug Induced Deaths, Renna faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in a New Jersey state prison, subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA), requiring him to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for parole.

If convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, he faces a maximum of five years in a state prison Renna was being held Tuesday in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution on $210,000 bail, with no 10 percent option,

Anyone with information related to this investigation should contact Detective Christopher Isherwood of the Rumson Police Department at (732) 842-0500 or Detective Kevin Condon of the Monmouth Count Prosecutor’s Office at (800) 533-7443.

In the aftermath of that incident, and a second, non-fatal overdose at the house two months later, the borough sued Oxford House in state Superior Court, seeking temporary and permanent injunctions forcing Oxford House to vacate the house, which it leases from an entity owned by borough resident Charles Farkouh.

A month later, Oxford House filed a federal lawsuit, claiming that the town and borough Administrator Tom Rogers “interfered with operation and occupancy” of the residence.

A lawyer for Oxford House told redbankgreen at the time that Rumson’s response to community pressure by initiating state court action “absolutely” constituted a form of harassment against the organization.

Both actions appeared to be near settlement as of a week ago, Mayor John Ekdahl tells redbankgreen.

Under the terms of an arbitrated settlement, Rumson would concede that Oxford House has a federally-protected right to remain at its location. Federal courts have consistently deemed Oxford House and similar operations as akin to families who are thus exempt from boardinghouse ordinances and other other local rules that limit the number of unrelated persons sharing a house.

The proposed settlement followed an intensive day of arbitration, Ekdahl said. But Oxford House has since raised questions over two undisclosed elements of the deal, Ekdahl said. The house’s right to operate in town is not among the disputed matters, Ekdahl said.

Oxford’s suit against Rumson, meantime, has already been settled, according to documents on file in federal court in Newark. A judge dismissed the matter as having been “amicably resolved” on August 5.

08.02 - Climb Time at Bayshore Waterfront Park The Monmouth County Parks System invites invites ages 8 and up (42 in. or taller; under 18 with adult) to try the 25 ft. portable climbing wall at Bayshore Waterfront Park, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

08.02 - American Idol LIVE! The top five IDOL finalists from Season Fourteen — Jax, Tyrana, Clark, Nick and Rayvon — take it to the stage of the Count Basie Theatre for a showcase package concert that includes VIP options ranging from 145 to 315 dollars per ticket.

08.02 - Historic Seabrook—Wilson House Tours The Monmouth County Parks System invites the public to tour the 18th century house at Bayshore Waterfront Park, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown. See displays on the ecology of the bay and local history.

08.02 - Movies in Fair Haven Fields: FROZEN Shore Flicks closes out the summer season at Fair Haven Fields (with a little help from their giant inflatable screen and fantastic sound system), with the epic Disney CGI smash. Starts at about 8:15 pm; bring lawn chairs/ blankets and canned goods for the nightly food drive.

08.02 - Art Opening at the Guild The Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury hosts an opening reception for an All Media Community Outreach Show. Exhibit continues through August 26 during regular gallery hours, with a 'Small Treasures' mini show featuring associate members of the Guild.

08.02 - Open Ceramics at Thompson Park Come to the park's Creative Arts Center and choose from a large selection of bisque fired pottery pieces to glaze and make your own. Cost is 6 dollars per hour plus price of bisque ware; cash or check only. Pieces will be fired in about a week.

08.02 - BEATLEMANIA Stage Show at Two River Theater The touring unit of the famed Fab Facsimile show (featuring Lincroft's Lucien Nocelli as John Lennon) performs a full costume fundraiser gig for the nonprofit Housing and United Services Inc. and their efforts on behalf of the blind and disabled. Tix from the Two River box office; more info at www.HUSNJ.net.

08.02 - Red Bank Farmers Market Fresh, locally grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers, plus equally homegrown crafts, at this Sunday morning staple running from May through the end of November in the Galleria parking lot.

08.03 - Eco—Kayak Tours on the Navesink The Claypit Creek area of Hartshorne Woods Park in Middletown is the departure point for a series of leisurely guided 'drop in' tours for experienced or novice paddlers. It's 'first come first served' and open to ages 12 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by adult); participants must be physically fit and all equipment (including single or tandem kayaks) is provided. Click for phone link to register; each tour limited to 10 participants.

08.03 - Seining at the Bayshore Dress for the beach, as the Monmouth County Parks System invites one and all to Bayshore Waterfront Park, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, for a (weather permitting) look at local marine life captured in a seining net (and released back) in the shallow waters of Sandy Hook Bay. Open to ages 5 and up (under 18 with adult). Sorry, no groups.

08.04 - The Piano Guys A piano and cello duo of Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson make a Red Bank return (augmented by Paul Anderson and Al van der Beek) with an engaging classical/ pop crossover highlighted by their takes on tunes by One Direction and Adele.

08.04 - Free Movies in the Park: STAR TREK Shore Flicks returns to Riverside Gardens with Chris Pine and Zac Quinto in JJ Abrams' reboot of the intergalactic classic franchise. It goes up on the big screen at about 8:15 pm; refreshments are available, so bring lawn chairs/ blankets (plus nonperishable food items for local food pantries) — and follow Shore Flicks on Facebook and Twitter for weather cancellations or other updates.

08.04 - National Night Out Against Crime in Red Bank The Red Bank Police Department, 12th District Legislators and local officials invite participants to join them for a Night Out walk that begins at Borough Hall on Monmouth Street, covering the downtown area and neighborhoods of Red Bank. Kids' games, activities, info, music and refreshments will be served up by the RBPD and Library staff in the Borough Hall parking lot at the conclusion of the walk.

08.05 - Sandy Hook Beach Concerts: The Haven The summertime series of free Wednesday evening concerts on the Hook continues with a dose of classic rock, on the portable stage and sandy seating area at Beach Area E. Come early for a special 5:30 set by The Sam Sims Trio!

08.05 - Seining at the Bayshore Dress for the beach, as the Monmouth County Parks System invites one and all to Bayshore Waterfront Park, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, for a (weather permitting) look at local marine life captured in a seining net (and released back) in the shallow waters of Sandy Hook Bay. Open to ages 5 and up (under 18 with adult). Sorry, no groups.

08.05 - Free Yoga Classes at Riverside Gardens The YMCA, in partnership with Red Bank Parks & Recreation, invite all who live or work in Red Bank to free fitness sessions going on every third Wednesday (through September 16) at the park on West Front Street. No registration necessary; bring water and a mat, and click for phone link to call info in case of inclement weather.

08.05 - Noble Writers at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday morning meeting of the writing group for women, with all welcome to join and no registration required. A Writing Critiquing Group also meets every Wednesday evening at the library, 7 pm.

08.05 - CROSSING BORDERS Festival Two River Theater Company presents the fifth annual festival of new plays by Latino playwrights, curated by Jerry Ruiz and this year saluting the work of Cuban creatives. It kicks off tonight at 5:30 pm with the traditional outdoor neighborhood party on the Two River Plaza, featuring opportunities to meet the artists involved in the festival, plus Cuban food and live music. Then at 7 pm, author and translator Yael Prizant will give a lecture and answer questions about Cuban history and theater.

08.05 - Wednesday Canoe Rentals at Thompson Park The Lincroft headquarters of the Monmouth County Parks System offers seasonal canoeing on Marlu Lake, with boats available for rent and all equipment provided. Open to ages 3 and up; under 18 with adult; pay by cash or check only.

08.06 - Summer BBQ Extravaganza at Sickles Market The Little Silver landmark spotlights NJ's 'local trifecta of corn, tomatoes and peaches' with an event that includes a full barbecue menu, featured product tastings and demos, plus kids' activities and live music by The Danjos. Click for phone link to reserve tickets.

08.06 - Sea Bright Farmers' Market The Municipal Parking Lot at the center of town is the setting for a weekly spread of locally grown fruit and produce, fresh baked goods, raw honey, coffee, pickles and more — including (new for 2015) pasture raised meats and poultry; farm fresh cheeses, yogurt and eggs; Asian greens and fresh cut herbs plus much more, all from local farms and purveyors. Runs Thursdays through September; click for link to updates on guest chefs and other special events.

08.06 - Community Celebration at Sickles Market The Little Silver landmark hosts a special event 'in honor of the agricultural heritage of Sickles Market and 350 years of farming in the great state of New Jersey, including the fabulous and famous summer produce trifecta:
Jersey Corn, Peaches & Tomatoes!' Also featured are live music, full BBQ menu, local farmers and vendors, kids activities and more. Children under 3 admitted free; click for phone link to reserve tickets.

08.06 - Neighbors Helping Neighbors at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts a free weekly Thursday morning meeting of the support group for people who are re—entering the job market, struggling small business owners and anyone looking for part—time or volunteer work.

08.06 - Fairview Fix Youth Instrumental Band at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts a free concert by the band under the direction of Luke Frerrell, inside the Community Room. No charge for admission, but tickets (available at the library) are required.

08.06 - Tween Write Away at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library invites tweens (grades 4 through 6) to create a novel or picture book for another edition of the monthly Write Away Club series. Registration required.

08.06 - Google Maker Camp at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library invites ages 6 and up to 'embrace their inner maker, get their hands dirty, fix some things, break some things, and have a lot of fun doing it' during a twice weekly workshop led by students from BioTech High School. Register online for either Thursday or Saturday session (please choose only one session per week) — you can even participate online from home!